RMAF to get three Turkish-made Anka drones in Feb to boost South China Sea surveillance
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will receive three Turkish-made Anka drones by February 2026. These unmanned aerial vehicles will boost surveillance efforts, particularly in the South China Sea. The drones form part of a broader plan to modernise Malaysia’s maritime monitoring capabilities.
The Anka drones will be stationed at Labuan Air Base, working alongside the existing CN-235 maritime surveillance aircraft. Their role will focus on intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions in contested waters.
Under Phase Two of the Capability Development Plan 2055, the RMAF initially aims to acquire nine drones. This expansion follows ongoing upgrades, including the Leonardo ATR-72 maritime patrol aircraft project. That programme is now 60% complete and scheduled for delivery before April 2027.
The introduction of the Anka drones marks a step toward enhancing Malaysia’s aerial monitoring network. Their deployment will coincide with the eventual arrival of the ATR-72 patrols, further strengthening coverage over key maritime zones.
The drones will arrive in early 2026, with the ATR-72 patrols expected the following year. Together, they will improve the RMAF’s ability to track activity in the South China Sea. The upgrades align with Malaysia’s long-term defence strategy for the region.
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